The number of people unemployed in Wales fell by 5,000 between July and September this year, latest official figures have revealed,
People out of work now stands at 121,000 – an 8.2% unemployment rate. The UK average is 7.8%.
Janet Jones, Welsh Policy Unit Chair for the Federation of Small Businesses, welcomed the news.
She said: “Unemployment figures are key to judging the ability of the Welsh economy to recover from the recession and today’s figures, showing a clear reduction, are to be welcomed.
“Recent research carried out by the FSB demonstrates the role of SMEs in strengthening the economy and tackling unemployment – finding that around nine in 10 unemployed people actively looking for work will find a job in, or start up, a small business.
“Given the contribution of the small business community to the employment market, decision-makers in Wales and Westminster must ensure that they are able to thrive.
“The lack of clarity from Welsh Government on the future of business rates relief in Wales must be resolved so that businesses in Wales can plan effectively and target growth and job-creation.”